Transformation of York from market town to city with industrial base

Rowntrees were one of the key drivers in the transformation of York from a market town to a city with an industrial base. “It was an achievement to build up from nothing a great business demanding the services of 7,000 employees. Mr. Rowntree’s abilities and enterprise were equal to more than that. He was a pioneer in that industrial movement that seeks to make the personal well-being as well as the industrial capacity of the worker a first consideration in the development of the undertaking. Only pioneers know the difficulties and misunderstandings in breaking new ground, but Mr. Rowntree’s unswerving fidelity to his eminently practical ideals has made his experimental work of lasting service to the whole industrial world.” Tribute in the Northern Echo following Joseph’s death.

Image: From originals held at the Borthwick Institute for Archives.